Show on concussions hits home

Tuesday

Oct 8, 2013 at 12:01 AM

You might want a burger after reading these random thoughts for a Tuesday:

Bob Highfill

You might want a burger after reading these random thoughts for a Tuesday:

» The documentary the NFL doesn't want you to watch, "League of Denial: The NFL's Concussion Crisis," airs from 9 p.m-11 p.m. today on PBS and features San Joaquin County chief medical examiner Bennet Omalu, who discovered the neurological disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy in the brain of former Steelers lineman Mike Webster. CTE has been linked to dementia and other health problems with many NFL veterans.

» Think Lane Kiffin's dismissal after four games at USC was swift? How about the Philadelphia Flyers giving coach Peter Laviolette the old heave-ho after three games. That gives Eagles coach Chip Kelly, with 265 days on the job, the longest tenure among coaches of major sports in the City of Brotherly Love. 76ers coach Brett Brown replaced Doug Collins 55 days ago and Ryan Sandberg has been on the job with the Phillies for only 53 days after taking over for the fired Charlie Manuel.

» Bye-bye, Matt Flynn. Another hasty exit. We hardly knew ya.

» Though much of the nation didn't stay up until the wee hours to watch him, Terrelle Pryor played a heck of a first half and did just enough in the second half in the Raiders' win over the Chargers on Sunday night. The defense also played well and cornerback Charles Woodson scored his 13th career defensive touchdown, tying him for the NFL all-time lead with Rod Woodson and Darren Sharper. Good stuff, Raider Nation.

» A New York strip club has decided to stop showing the 0-5 New York Giants on TV. It's making the customers too depressed, the club owner said. Is that rock bottom or what?

» Skeeters Grill in Houston has a Matt Schaub special: The Pick-Six Burger, where you can pick six toppings "and pay dearly for it." The much-maligned Texans quarterback threw a pick-six against the 49ers on Sunday - his NFL-record fourth interception returned for a touchdown in four games. I'll take mine with cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles and bacon, please.

» Death stares are for Darth Vader. They don't mean anything to A's Aussie reliever Grant Balfour. So, Victor Martinez, you and the Tigers just keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars because you can't Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport.

» The first walk-off in Tampa Bay Rays history belongs to Jose Lobaton. His shot to keep the Rays alive with a win in Game 3 of the ALDS was the fourth postseason walk-off homer given up by the Red Sox, tying them with the Yankees, Dodgers and Astros for most all-time.

» Anitra Khoth, 11, and 12-year-old Madeline Zunino. Two names to remember because these girls know how to play golf.